Gigi Hadid Shares Heartfelt Encounter With Kobe Bryant At Taylor Swift'S La Concert

Starstruck in the City of Angels

Sports have a magical way of bringing out the human side of celebrities, even those living in the glamorously untouchable world of Los Angeles. Supermodel Gigi Hadid, a fixture on the world's most elite runways, found herself uncharacteristically awestruck when she crossed paths with NBA legend Kobe Bryant.

Hadid hails from a city where spotting celebrities is as common as a SoCal sunset, but her encounter with Bryant at a Taylor Swift concert in L.A. was something else entirely. In her own heartfelt words, the supermodel expressed a sense of admiration and awe that seemed surprisingly grounded for someone of her stature.

“I met Kobe last year at Taylor (Swift)’s show in L.A., and I couldn’t even talk. Kobe Bryant is the only person I get starstruck around,” Hadid admitted, reflecting on the moment that took her by surprise.

A Kobe Superfan from the Start

Gigi Hadid’s admiration for Kobe Bryant runs deep, rooted in her childhood growing up in Los Angeles during Bryant's prime with the Lakers. Born in 1995, Hadid was just a kid when the Black Mamba was dazzling fans across L.A. and beyond. From witnessing his legendary 81-point game against the Raptors to celebrating the Lakers' championship runs, Hadid was a true fan.

In an earlier interview, Hadid shared a fond memory of her 13th birthday: “I’m a huge Kobe Bryant fan, so for my 13th birthday, my parents brought me and my friends to a Laker game. I had my whole Kobe uniform on that I wore to school all the time.” It’s clear that Bryant was more than just a basketball player to her – he was a childhood hero who inspired her as much off the court as he did on.

Kobe's Enduring Legacy

The impact Kobe Bryant had on fans and fellow athletes alike was profound. Even beyond his tragic passing, his influence permeates the NBA, shaping the mindset of players who idolized him, such as DeMar DeRozan, Jayson Tatum, and Kyrie Irving.

Gigi Hadid may not dribble down the court, but like many, she felt the indelible mark of Bryant’s legacy. Whether in a yellow-and-purple wig at a Lakers game or starstruck at a concert, Hadid’s admiration for Bryant transcends the sport, echoing the appreciation of countless fans who saw him as an icon.